Anthony Albanese has invoked his mother as the inspiration for Labor’s latest policy reset, declaring older Australians need to be seen as a boon to the budget, rather than a burden.
In his fourth “vision statement” since taking up the Labor leadership, Albanese pledges to develop a “positive ageing strategy”, with a focus on building superannuation, reshaping cities, increasing employment opportunities and boosting healthcare.
But the plan puts the Labor party at odds with a traditional ally, the Australian Council of Social Services, as it reiterates its support for increasing the superannuation guarantee to 12% by 2025, claiming opposition to the plan “plays into the hands of the Coalition”.
Acoss wants vulnerable and low-paid workers to receive as much of their weekly wage as possible. Albanese will argue its opposition to the superannuation increase has created an “unholy coalition” with the government which would ultimate disadvantage workers.
“Superannuation was never designed to be a mere safety net,” Albanese is due to say in a speech to be delivered in Brisbane. “We established superannuation to give working people a fuller and richer retirement. It is also working for the Australian economy – $3tn worth of superannuation savings is being invested in Australia and abroad, creating jobs and ensuring Australians get more of the wealth in our great country.”
In the speech, seen by Guardian Australia, Albanese takes aim at treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s characterisation of the nation’s ageing population as an “economic time bomb”, calling it a “denigration” of older Australians.
By 2057, based on current projections, one in five Australians will be over 65. While the cost to the budget has become a focus, Albanese’s speech said the benefits workers over 55 could bring to the economy were often overlooked.
Albanese cites Deloitte economics research which found a 3% increase in workforce participation by those aged over 55 would generate an annual $33bn boost to the economy.
But with Australians living longer – to an average of just over 82 years – and working longer, Albanese said urban environments must also adapt, proposing that design and housing planning must take into account an older population.
“Clearly, the physical environment matters,” Albanese’s speech says. “Urban design and housing must help older Australians remain in their homes and in their communities if they choose. Governments must work together on long-term planing to ensure our transport networks, homes, shops and community facilities are accessible and fit for ageing, particularly in an urban context.
“Smart urban design also helps mitigate the worst effects of extreme weather events – heatwaves have a particularly significant impact on older Australians, who are more susceptible to heat stress. It’s the second-leading cause of death and the leading cause for women.”
Dental care and increased health funding for senior Australians remain key Labor policies.
Albanese’s speech says his mother, Maryanne, who raised her son as a single parent in Sydney council housing, remains a driving force behind his views.
“Having seen what my Mum went through in her later years, I want to be able to make a difference for older Australians now, and the older Australians of the future,” his speech said. “Mum raised me on her own. She was a strong woman with a great mind and a huge heart. She gave so much.
“But she experienced years of sickness and struggle. She died too young at just 65. If Mum had got the care she needed, her later years would have been so much better.
“I can’t go back in time to fix things for Mum. But with planning, vision and a pinch of the spirit that defines our older Australians, we can take care of the future.”
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